The 2024 MLB playoffs are nearly upon us, and fans can hardly contain their excitement. As one enthusiastic fan put it, "Here it comes: the best month of the year. I’m ecstatic for the 2024 MLB playoffs."
This season, the Los Angeles Dodgers have emerged as the dominant force, leading the league with 98 wins. Remarkably, this win total is the lowest for a league leader since the Angels achieved the same in 2014. The Dodgers' prowess is undeniable, boasting a formidable offense with MVP candidates like Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman.
Yet, it's not just about the power hitters. Walker Buehler has been rock-solid in his recent outings, bolstered by the addition of Jack Flaherty and Yoshinobu Yamamoto to the rotation. Reflecting on the Dodgers' roster, the author notes, “A week ago I would've had the Dodgers lower,” but adds, “I'm not near as worried about the pitching as I was a few weeks ago.” It's hard to dispute that “the Dodgers can bang with anyone offensively.”
New York Yankees fans have reasons to be hopeful too, with the team adding sluggers Juan Soto and Aaron Judge to the lineup. Gerrit Cole has found his dominant form in the past couple of months, and their rotation now includes talented arms like Carlos Rodón, Luis Gil, and Clarke Schmidt. Assessing the Yankees' chances, the author mentions, “On the positive side -- I mean, I did put them No. 1 -- the Yankees have Juan Soto and Aaron Judge.” However, the author tempers expectations by admitting, “Do I actually think the Yankees are going to win the World Series? No. Not really."
Meanwhile, the Houston Astros have turned their season around dramatically, posting an MLB-best 76-49 record since their dismal 12-24 start. Such resilience bodes well for their postseason aspirations.
The San Diego Padres also enter the playoffs with a strong roster. Offensively, Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. lead the charge, while the rotation is well-rounded with Dylan Cease, Joe Musgrove, Yu Darvish, and Michael King. Despite this, the consensus remains cautious. “It wouldn’t be shocking to see the Padres bow out early, but they are a decent pick to win it all,” observes the author.
The Philadelphia Phillies, although having gone 10-11 since September 6, have proven they can perform exceptionally well in the postseason, as evidenced by their recent campaigns. Reflecting this sentiment, the author posits, “The past two postseasons, the Phillies showed they were better built for the sprint of the playoffs than the marathon of the regular season.”
Other teams also merit attention. The Cleveland Guardians are not to be underestimated. They feature stars like José Ramírez and Josh Naylor and possess the best bullpen of the season. An analyst underscores their potential, saying, “Anyone who doesn’t take the Guardians seriously as a World Series championship threat is ignorant to how good a team this is.”
The Milwaukee Brewers, too, present a formidable challenge with their excellent bullpen and strong base-stealing prowess. Over in Kansas City, the Royals boast a rotation that combines experienced and youthful talent, highlighted by standout Bobby Witt Jr.
Don’t count out the Detroit Tigers either. They have surged late in the season, driven by stellar performances, including that from AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal.
As we gear up for a thrilling month of baseball, it’s worth remembering the teams of recent years who defied expectations and seized glory. The 2021 Braves and the 2022 Phillies are prime examples of squads that found their stride at the perfect time. As the author wistfully recalls, “Remember the run less than a decade ago of dominant champions (2016 Cubs, 2017 Astros and Dodgers, 2018 Red Sox)?”
The road to the World Series is fraught with unpredictability and excitement. Summing up the sentiments, the author aptly concludes, “It could go either way!” Indeed, with every team poised as a threat, the 2024 MLB playoffs promise to be a spectacle that keeps fans on the edge of their seats.